Fuel Cell Refrigeration Power Management Beyond Battery Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional transport refrigeration units in refrigerated vehicles and trailers rely on finite battery power, necessitating additional methods for providing clean and sustainable power to maintain controlled temperatures during transit.
Innovation Solution
A transport refrigeration system powered by a fuel cell, with a supervisory management module controlling the operation of the fuel cell and refrigeration unit, utilizing a fuel tank for fuel supply and an energy storage device to manage electricity distribution, ensuring efficient and controlled power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a battery pack is used to power the transport refrigeration unit, then the system can operate without a prime mover, but the battery pack is a finite source of power that requires recharging or replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from chemical energy storage (battery) to electrochemical energy conversion (fuel cell), changing the fundamental energy supply mechanism from finite storage to continuous generation, thereby extending operational duration while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical coupling or belt drive from a prime mover with an electrochemical fuel cell system, eliminating the need for mechanical connection while providing sustained electrical power through electrochemical reactions
2Duration of action of moving object
If a fuel cell is introduced to provide continuous power, then the power supply duration is extended, but the system complexity increases with additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel cell system is designed to perform multiple functions: generating electrical power, producing thermal energy as a byproduct, and providing continuous operation without recharging, thereby justifying the added complexity through multi-functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the fuel cell power generation system with the refrigeration system, integrating energy production and thermal management functions into a unified system that shares common components and control mechanisms
3Reliability
If a supervisory management module is added to control the fuel cell and refrigeration unit, then the reliability of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The supervisory management module implements feedback control by continuously monitoring fuel cell parameters and refrigeration system performance, automatically adjusting operational parameters to maintain optimal performance and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The control module autonomously manages the fuel cell and refrigeration system operations without requiring external intervention, performing self-diagnosis and self-regulation to ensure reliable operation while minimizing the need for additional control infrastructure
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides a reliable and sustainable power source for transport refrigeration units, enhancing energy management and reducing the reliance on finite battery power, thereby maintaining optimal temperature conditions during transportation.
Implementation Method 1
a fuel cell configured to provide electricity to the transport refrigeration unit
Data Source
AI summary
A transport refrigeration system including: a transport refrigeration unit configured to provide conditioned air to a refrigerated cargo space of a transport container; a fuel cell configured to provide electricity to the transport refrigeration unit; and a supervisory management module configured to control operation of the transport refrigeration unit and the fuel cell.